Lancia Motor Club

Spotted this B20 for sale:

http://www.classicdriver.de/uk/find/4100_results.asp?sorderby=tblManufacturers%2EsName+ASC%2C+tblModels%2EsModel+ASC%2C+bOfficial+DESC%2C+tblCars%2EsType+ASC&action=simple%5Fsearch&coopid=0&lmanufacturer=10067&lcurrency=2&next=4100%5Fresults%2Easp&whatbutton.x=0&dealerid=0&bsubmit=true&lmodelflag=%2A&bclicked=false&bshowstock=Wahr&page=0&lCarID=1801470

Like the price!

I don't read much German but does that say it's an ex works team car?

Brian
8227 8)

Ran the text through BableFish and this is the result.   Take with a pinch of salt as they claim LHD in the advert and the photos show (the expected) RHD.  It does look a peach... 

Now where's the nearest lottery outlet?

David

"Absolute rare piece! Lancia B 20 GT work racing cars of 1952 (driver at that time Anselmi & Bonetti). Vehicle is certified for bedeutesten running (Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic, and the Historic Grand Prix OF Monaco) of the world. For this year is the participation for the Le Mans Classic (7.7. - 11.7.2010) already confirms!! This vehicle was used for the first time in June 1952 in Mugello. This concerns a lightweight construction work car with a 2,5Liter V6 engine, Nardi Ansaugvrücke, Transaxle transmission, neutral position and low silhouette. This Lancia Aurelia has a complete running history and was from 1960 to 2009 in 2.Hand! The vehicle has an older FIA car passport and road permission. The engine was completely revised for 16.900, 00 Pound with Omicron in England. In the time from 1951 to 1958 3,111 Aurelia B 20 GT were built. General over the Aurelia: ** The Aurelia ** is a model of the Italian car manufacturer Lancia, which from 1950 to 1958 in versch"

Well, where does one start?
The bodyshell looks to me like a standard 2nd series. It is not in any way a lowered version, which has a very distinctive side view.
It is fitted with Porsche 911 headlights, and not the original Carellos. The tailllights are also non original.
A 1952 car should not be fitted with a 2.5 l engine, which came out with the 3rd series in 1953. (Well, the Chiron car at the Montecarlo 1954 had a 2.5 l engine, in a 2nd series bodyshell.)
Maybe the car has some history, but this must be checked from the Chassis number, and the supplied documentation, including the original italian number plate. Best source of information would be the Registro Aurelia Italiano. Caveat emptor!

It also has late series (5th-6th) wheels not the correct rolled rim ones!

It's a nice looking car all the same, although I prefer the tail end finish of the later cars. I thought the early cars had flush fitting 'pop out' door handles.
Apart from that, its the price that annoys me. who decided that Aurelias should be so valuable. its not only increasing the bar for potential purchasers, but also upping the value of spare parts. In my opinion its putting these cars way beyond the reach of those who want to use and enjoy them, as well as placing them in the hands of 'investors' who are only interested in monetary gain.
As for the 'supposed history' , its far to easy to check and see if its an ex works car or not, apart from the fact that its hardly original.
I probably should be happy that values are increasing, consider I'm contemplating selling mine, but instead its making me angry.

Lack of affordable cars loses any club the next generation of owner as the youngster cannot get a foot on the ladder. Thank goodness we have the Beta.

I share everyone's mixed feelings about such prices.

The March Classic & Sportscar "Buying Guide" suggests £80k for a "Good B20 GT".

Inevitably, such values do the focus the mind when driving the car but hopefully should not put anybody off from enjoying them in any way they wish. 

It also means that cars are hopefully restorable on economic grounds so generating an increased service and parts market, which can only be a good thing.

My biggest concern is that the market does a boom/bust cycle, where it overheats with investors who either catch a cold or move on to something else (have you seen the prices for AC Aces?) and then start selling.  We don't want a classic Ferrari reputation.

Without wishing to sound like our Glorious Leader, a bit of prudence would do no harm.

Adam

In terms of buyer beware this is a lovely story - in particular the bit in the middle about a Lamborghini.

http://www.eddinsmoto.com/id116.htm

David

That strange B20 will now be offered at the new RM Auction in Monaco, on May 1st.
Estimate is now 100 - 140.000 €.
I wonder if thanks to the special climate of Monaco that car will sell.

2 other Aurelias will also be offered, another 2nd series, in a strange (period?) bicolor livery, and the already seen B53 Allemano.

The cars on offer are a big lot, with too many Rolls-Royces Phantom, and 2 Mercedes 600, one pullman and one landaulet. Too much for one sale, in my opinion, and then there is also Bonhams!